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Model Training

Beginner Model Advice: As a young person, you are probably always dreaming about becoming a model, but you realize there are literally millions of people with the same dream. You feel confident that you can become a model and you long for others to notice and admire your beauty.

Entering the model industry is a sure way to accomplish this dream. But remember just being beautiful doesn't mean the industry will choose you. Another reason for entering the world of modeling may be the income. You have probably heard that models make a ton of money, but remember this is only a few hand-picked "super models." This is not to say that one day you might be in the select few. This means the agency wants to see how you look in person, so you want to look your best when you attend. If you can, plan ahead before going to the open call by taking meticulous care of your hair, skin and teeth. But you should be doing this anyway, right? Also, eat the proper foods so you will have a healthy, glowing look about you

Only one in every 20,000 people that attend open-call are actually chosen, but don't get discouraged because they are searching for new faces everyday and you might be next.

Welcome to your first lesson about modeling. Some of these things may seem silly and irrelevent but believe me, you NEED TO KNOW THIS! Although I am the first to admit that there are exceptions to every rule, below you'll find some of the attributes you need to have (or can learn) to become a model. As in any industry, there is usually a fine line between success and failure in modeling. To have a chance of becoming a successful model, you first need to think and act like a professional and successful person

The Physical Requirements of Modeling: If you plan to model, especially as a high fashion or runway model, you need the following physical attributes ...

a) You need to be at least 5'7" tall or taller ( Especially for runway )
b) Your body weight and proportions need to flatter your height
c) You need to have a good skin complexion without lots of pimples or blemishes
d) Your hair should be in good shape (no excessive split-ends or over-dying damage)
e) Your teeth should be well taken care of, straight and white (a dynamite smile)

If you do not meet these requirements then do not worry, you can still join the world of Commercial Modeling where there is a need for a person of every shape, size. You may be a size 6 or a size 26, it does not matter. It is here that you need a good agency like Contract Models to get you the many jobs that you are looking out for.

So, you see? There might be a place for your in this career choice if you will just look a little further. Everyone can't be a runway model but many people are happily working in the entertainment industry using other skills, looks and abilities. Hope you have a successful career as a high fashion, glamour, commercial or art model. You've got to at least try so get started with your modeling goals today

Why Models need Facial Expressions: There are ways to alter some of your expressions although your facial expressions will remain your own up to a point. But first, let's learn about what some of the basic facial expressions emote:

Happiness, Sadness, Surprise, Anger, Frustration, Jealousy / Envy, Fear, Disgust, Contempt, Worry, Distress, Anxiety, Self-respect, Confidence, Optimism

How many of these emotions can you bring to your face on demand; anytime you want? Facial expressions are as important in communicating to the camera in a photo shoot as words are in talking to your friend on the phone. For example, facial expressions are to deaf individuals what tone in conversation is to hearing people. They are an important way to communicate emotions to others and evoke a reaction. Therefore, facial expressions are an important source of information for human interaction.

But I'm a model -- Not an actor! True, you are a model which makes it all the more important to use facial expressions and body language to "sell" your look to the viewer. And, even body language doesn't help very much in a headshot! Whether you are aware of it or not, your facial expression tells a story to the camera and to your audience much the same as an actor tells a story by talking, body language and expressions on their faces. This is what you have to learn to become the best fashion, glamour or commercial model you can be

Are You Embarrassed by Your Limited Fashion Modeling Posing Skills? One major factor in becoming a success in the modeling industry is by learning to pose properly. If you happen to be one of the few lucky women who has the instinct to pose naturally that's great, but if not, read the 5 suggestions below and practice, practice, practice.

1. Practice Different Fashion Poses before Going to Photo Shoots: When you become a model, you may be offered a job modeling the latest in clothing, shoes, hats and other wardrobe accessories from top designers. Be prepared for this job offer by practicing poses in front of a full length mirror with clothing, props and other products that you see advertised in high fashion magazines and on TV shows.

2. Focus on Body Posture: Always keep good body posture when posing for photo shoots unless instructed otherwise by your photographer. To give your abdomen a more toned appearance, hold your stomach in. Position your hands where they will fall naturally and keep your fingers slightly apart. Practice different ways of positioning your hands and tilting your head.

3. Practice Facial Expressions: Stay relaxed and pay close attention when giving different facial expressions. When posing, your expressions should be spontaneous. Make your poses come alive by practicing how to give the "look." Learn this by closing your eyes, imagining a thought, opening your eyes and selling the thought.

4. Do Test Shoots with Professional Photographers: Test shooting can be very helpful for your future career. You not only get professional pictures for your model portfolio, but you also get practice in posing and making expressions in front of the camera. Remember, it is very important to keep your portfolio updated and this is a great way to do this without spending a fortune. Just make sure the photographer shoots the pictures you need which include:
> Headshot
> Business Shot
> Strong Fashion Pic
> Casual Shot
> Bikini or Lingerie Photo
> Artistic Picture

5. Show Self Confidence with Your Posing Skills: Did you know that beauty is not the only talent clothing designers look for in fashion models? They want a model that shows self confidence in themselves, because the confidence will also show in the clothing or product the model is presenting. Your self assurance will shine through when you are posing for the camera so keep practicing by visiting photographers until you feel very comfortable. Build your self-confidence by studying and practicing. Learn to say "Oh Well, There Will Be Another Chance" when you are turned down. One day the self confidence you have obtained will be the major factor in making your dream come true.

Preparing for Your Model Photo Shoot: Don't wait until the last minute. You'll want to start preparing for your model photo session before the day of the photo shoot. The following paragraphs contain some things you'll want to do and some things to avoid to have a more successful photo shoot.

Eating & Exercise habits: I know you'll be excited and you'll want to be in the best shape for your session and this is important. But, don't overdo it! Diet and exercise should be done on a consistant basis and not on a binge just because you have a photo shoot this weekend. If you are following an exercise and diet program, just continue as you normally would up until and on the day of the shoot. Now, if your diet consists mainly of hamburgers, hot dogs, bread and sugar, I wouldn't suggest eating much of this starting a few days before your model shoot. I don't suggest eating like this anyhow for health reasons. Always be sensible about your diet and exercise habits and you should be fine for your upcoming model photo shoot.
Avoid new makeup: No matter what the temptation, stay away from new makeup and skin care products just before a photo shoot. You could be in for a big, unwanted surprise by having a reaction to these new experiments. Just stay with what you know works for you.
Model posing ideas: You should have already been doing this long before but look through some of the major fashion mags like Vogue, Teen, etc. to look at poses and to get new ideas. When looking through these magazines, notice how the model is positioned, what clothing she's wearing. Practice the pose in the mirror until you can make it your own. This is a teriffic way to learn how to pose.
Before you go to the model shoot: To be further prepared to shoot professional model photos, there are a few things you will need to do the night before.
Body hair - Without using wax, remove any body hair you don't want to show in your model photos. The reason not to use wax is that you may have red skin in those places when you go to the session. You may find yourself one day doing a catalog or fashion photo shoot with a very tight fitting outfit. How do you get rid of those bulging lines under your clothes?
Nails - As stated in the wardrobe checklist you'll want your nails to look their best for the photo session. Do a complete manicure and pedicure the night before your model shoot. DO NOT use red or any other color polish on your fingernails or toenails, only clear.
Skin Care - Be sure to remove any dead skin you have and use a good moisturizer to clean and soften your skin
Many models simply wear no bra and a thong to get rid of lines during and before the shoot
What to pack for your model shoot: Again, especially pack what the client or photographer wants you to bring and the other items discussed in the wardrobe checklist. Be Well-Rested: Again, I know you will be excited and geared up the night before the model shoot but be sure to get plenty of rest. Go to bed early even if you don't feel you can sleep. The rest will do you good and you'll be more refreshed the day of the photo session.

The Day of the model shoot is finally here: Finally, you've done all the above steps to be ready for this important day. Now what? Again, your goal is to make this photo shoot the best it can be. A photographer can do much to help your look but these are must-dos in order for you to help the photographer. If your model session is in the morning, eat a good breakfast. If you are having an afternoon session, eat a light lunch. It takes a lot of energy to do a model photo shoot and you don't want to run out of steam before the session is over. Leave early enough to be at the photo shoot on time, or better still, early. I cannot stress this enough. Many photographers work on a tight schedule and will charge you if your session takes longer than you scheduled for. Not to mention that if this shoot is for a client, you may lose this job and future offers by showing up late. Show that you are a professional and your will be treated as such. Come to the model photo shoot wearing clothing that fits loosely to insure the least amounts of marks on your body. These marks take time to go away and may waste your limited amount of time allocated for the photo shoot. Ideally if you can avoid wearing any undercloths for atleast 8 to 12 hrs before the scheduled shoot. Instead of a pullover, wear a button up shirt. This will also help the photographer to study your body if he is doing your first shoot

Don't wear the white-powder type of deodorant. Rather, wear one of the clear types to insure that your clothing will stay stain-free during the model session. If you wear perfume to the photo shoot (not recommended), make sure it's very light. Photographers studios are not always large and strong perfume will overwhelm the photographer and the others who have to work with you. Many photo shoots will include a makeup and/or hair artist. If this is the case come to the shoot without any makeup or concealer and make sure your hair is good and clean.
Makeup Artists and Hair Stylist: If you want your photo shoot to be absolutely perfect, you may want to consider hiring a makeup artist and/or hair stylist. They can add greatly to creating new and exciting looks for you to make your first photo shoot a booming success.

Have Fun!!

Being a professional model does not mean that you can't have fun. Following the steps above will help insure that you will have fun during your session by getting off to a good start. The less someone has to reprimand you the more relaxed the model shoot will be. So, Enjoy!!